156 V6 Auto - what to look out for?

[cranberry]

Hi guys. I have a lead on a 156 V6 Auto, 2000 model. The guy wants $5500 which to me rings alarm bells as it's a bit on the cheap side. Is there anything I should look out for when checking it out? It's done 127,000 km.

[aggie57]

Early 156's tend to be pretty cheap.  Red book lists a 2000 2.5 at $5300-$7100 private sale. Reality is probably some way south of that.

[colcol]

Its a 12 year old European car, that will most likely need money spent on it, make sure it has a good service history and get it checked out by an Alfa Romeo Specialist, see on Forum for Service providers, Colin.

[alanm]

Hi Cranbury,

I have owned a 156 V6 Auto for nearly 3 years now and its been brilliant. Car looks great, sounds great and is a pleasure to drive.

Only problems I have experienced are blocked wiper jets (fixed for about $15 parts from Zagame) and a broken power window switch (replaced by myself in less than an hour).
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this car to anybody – even better with the manual gearbox!!

Air con struggles in really hot weather, this is the fault of the vent design, not the hardware. Ours was tested by a specialist.

Factor in the cost of a cam belt, tensioner and water pump into the cost of the car if it doesn't have recent receipts (50,000klms or 3 years I think?).

Ditto Colins advice, look for a car with a documented history and get a pre purchase inspection.

I hope you find the car you are looking for.

Cheers
Alan